Portable latrine and method

ABSTRACT

The portable latrine comprises a frame, a rear sheet member, and a front sheet member. The rear sheet member comprises sheet material comprising outer edges coupled to the frame such the rear sheet member extends from a frame first side to a frame second side. The frame, the rear sheet member, and front sheet member define a receptacle. The frame is flexible and the rear and front sheet members are arranged such that the frame is adapted to be coiled into a collapsed position and uncoiled into an expanded position. The method comprises the steps of providing a portable latrine, the portable latrine being in a collapsed position; uncoiling the portable latrine from the collapsed position; using a suspension mechanism, suspending the portable latrine from a structure; removing the portable latrine from the structure; and re-coiling the portable latrine into the collapsed position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to a portable latrine and specifically to a portable latrine for use by male children which is portable, collapsible, easily cleanable, and reusable and a method for using same.

Background of the Invention

When visiting public places, parents of young children are often presented with the issue of such children needing to use the bathroom or “facilities”. However, parents often find that children, particularly children in the process of “potty training” desire use of such facilities when the facilities are not conveniently located or readily usable. For example, a parent of a young male child visiting a zoo might need to use the facilities when such facilities are a quarter mile or more away. The restroom may be crowded. Moreover, urinals found in most restrooms are positioned high enough above the floor such that they are difficult for young male users to use.

The device and method of the present disclosure provides a portable latrine and method which may be used by or to assist male children, the device being portable, collapsible, easily cleanable, and reusable. The device and method may be used as teaching aids to assist young male children in learning how to use certain restroom facilities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There have been efforts to provide portable waste disposal devices. Some such devices known in the prior art include toilets comprising rigid containers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,866,980, to Huntington, U.S. Pat. No. 3,381,315, to Glassberg, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,018, to Sargent provide a portable toilets comprising rigid sides. U.S. Pat. No. 8,518,003, to Ledo discloses a sanitary waste disposal system comprising a disposable bag attached to a rigid container.

Some prior art waste disposal devices are intended to be collapsible. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,974,321, to Salka discloses a collapsible travel commode comprising a suitcase type design that can be opened to expose folding side portions and a pouch. U.S. Pat. No. 3,063,061, to Bertram provides a collapsible portable toilet with a toilet seat mounted to a pair of legs which may be folded like a lawn chair. U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,097, to Shin discloses a disposable and collapsible/foldable portable urinal comprising layered waterproof-coated boards and absorbents. Absorbents attached to the body board and the lower board absorb the urine. The body board and lower board are folded to be perpendicular to each other. U.S. Pat. No. 7,996,926, to Aguila provides a foldable, hanging cardboard urinal comprising a back surface, hooks and a receptacle.

Other solutions for the need for portable toilets include handheld devices which may be used by male users. Such devices, for example, are provided by U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,459, Tjahaja and U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,705, to Belisle.

However, none of the devices known in the prior art are suitable for use by young male users while at the same time being portable, collapsible, easily cleanable, and reusable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The portable latrine generally comprises a frame, a rear sheet member, and a front sheet member. The rear sheet member stretches across a space defined by the frame. When the portable latrine is in a fully opened position, the frame and rear sheet member are generally co-planer. The front sheet member is coupled, directly or indirectly, to a lower frame perimeter portion of the frame. The front sheet member comprises a front sheet member perimeter that is larger than a frame diameter, the frame diameter being defined by respective sides of the frame. Because the front sheet member diameter is larger than the frame diameter, the front sheet member, along with the rear sheet member and lower frame perimeter portion, defines a receptacle. This receptacle is open at the top and closed along the lower frame perimeter portion. Thus, the receptacle is structured and arranged to retain liquids when the device is in an upright position.

When the device is viewed from the front and in the open position, the frame and rear sheet member of the preferred embodiment comprise oval configurations. The front sheet member comprises a semi-oval configuration when viewed from the front. Thus, the device is narrower at upper and lower ends than in a middle portion.

The front and rear sheet members of the preferred embodiment are formed from a plastic material such as polyethylene, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), ethylene vinyl acetate, vinyl, poly vinyl chloride (PVC) or other conventional and commercially available suitable material that is relatively impervious to water.

The rear sheet member is coupled to the frame. The rear sheet member comprises a sheet of material that is slightly larger than the frame so that an outer perimeter of the rear sheet material can be folded over the frame and glued or welded in place. Similarly, edges of the front sheet member are glued or welded over the frame so that the front sheet member is affixed into position.

In some embodiment, the device comprises a strap comprising a suction cup. In such embodiments, the strap is coupled to the upper end of the frame. The suction cup may be used to affix the device to a smooth surface such as porcelain such as may be found on a urinal in a men's restroom. Although the strap of the preferred embodiment comprises a suction cup, the strap need not comprise a suction cup. Rather, the device can comprise other connection elements such as hooks, loops, clasps, dips, and the like.

The frame of the preferred embodiment is comprised of a flexible wire hoop. In the preferred embodiment, the spring steel comprises a diameter of approximately 2 mm. The frame is approximately 60 mm from upper end to lower end. The frame diameter is approximately 30 mm. Within certain structural limitations, the frame is generally flexible. It can be twisted and otherwise deformed before readily returning to its original oval configuration.

The frame is adapted to be coiled and folded so that the portable latrine may be collapsed into a compact generally flat configuration. The frame's spring action permits it to be unfolded to a flat open configuration.

In some embodiments, the device comprises cooperative coupling mechanisms, such as magnets. These magnets are positioned adjacent to a rim of the front sheet member. In some embodiments, a magnet is place on either side of a vertical center line. In this position, the magnets can be moved towards one another and, through magnetic attraction, close the receptacle. Although, in the preferred embodiment, there are two magnets, the device need not comprise two magnets. Rather, the device can comprise a single magnet and a ferromagnetic material positioned such that upon attachment to the magnet, the receptacle closes or becomes reduced in area. Other non-magnetic coupling arrangements known in the art may also be used, such systems including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, clips, pins, hooks, and the like. In other embodiments, there are no magnets or other fasteners. Rather, the receptacle may be biased in an open position, by for example, heavier material being position near the rim.

The device is generally stored and transported while in the closed position. The device may be stored in a container such as a soft sided pouch. In preferred embodiments, the pouch comprises a handle and zipper.

When use of the device is desired, the device may be removed from the pouch and uncoiled. Using the strap and suction cup, the device may then be affixed to a smooth surface such as a tile wall or men's urinal. The magnets may be separated from one another so as to fully open the receptacle. The device may be then be used in the same manner as a conventional men's urinal.

After use, the device may be washed in a sink, if desired, and re-coiled in a reverse sequence to that which was used to uncoil the device. The device may then be replaced within the pouch.

In embodiments which do not comprise a suction cup or in situations in which there are no suitable surfaces to which the suction cup may be attached, the device may contain multiple straps which may be used to tie the device around, for example, a tree or a pole. In other embodiments, the device may comprise one or more hooks, which may be used to suspend, for example, the device from the door of a bathroom stall.

In the preferred embodiment, the rear sheet member and front sheet member are transparent. The rear sheet member and front sheet member are preferably generally waterproof. However, the rear sheet member and front sheet member may be formed from a cloth fabric material or other suitable material that permits the devices to be coiled and uncoiled as described herein.

A method of using a portable latrine is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a portable latrine as described in this disclosure; uncoiling the portable latrine from the collapsed position; using a suspension mechanism, suspending the portable latrine from a structure; removing the portable latrine from the structure; and re-coiling the portable latrine into the collapsed position.

In certain embodiments of the method, the suspension mechanism comprises a strap. In certain embodiments of the method, the strap comprises a suction cup. In certain embodiments of the method, the front sheet member comprises one or more magnets adapted to permit the receptacle to be retained in a closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a portable latrine, in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the portable latrine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the portable latrine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the portable latrine in a collapsed position in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3B is an isometric view of the portable latrine of FIG. 3A in an approximately one-quarter, partially opened position.

FIG. 3C is an isometric view of the portable latrine of FIG. 3A in an approximately one-half, partially opened position.

FIG. 3D is an isometric view of the portable latrine of FIG. 3A in an approximately three-quarter partially opened position.

FIG. 3E is an isometric view of the portable latrine of FIG. 3A in a fully opened position.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the portable latrine of FIG. 1, with the receptacle portion in a closed position.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a carrying pouch for use in storing and transporting the portable latrine, in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating some embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

In describing the embodiments of the invention, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, it being understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents operating in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is understood that the drawings are not drawn exactly to scale. In the drawings, similar reference numbers are used for designating similar elements throughout the several drawings.

This specification and appended claims describe particular embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood, based on this disclosure, that the invention is not limited to the embodiments detailed herein. As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” shall mean one or more than one. The term “plurality” shall mean two or more than two. The term “another” is defined as a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having” are open ended (e.g., comprising). The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “an embodiment,” or similar term means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, aspects, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

The examples and illustrations described herein in specific environments are equally applicable for use in other environments. Moreover, while certain materials are discussed herein with respect to various components of the various embodiments, the embodiments are not limited to such materials. For example, in a preferred embodiment, certain components are formed from metal, plastic or PVC. However, as will be discussed in more detail below, the components of the device may comprise any suitable materials without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1.4, in preferred embodiments of the portable latrine 12 sometimes referred to herein as “the device” 12, the portable latrine 12 generally comprises a frame 16, a rear sheet member 14, and a front sheet member 18. The rear sheet member 14 stretches across a space defined by the frame 16. Referring to FIG. 2B, when the portable latrine 12 is in a fully opened position, the frame 16 and rear sheet member 14 are generally co-planer. The front sheet member 18 is coupled, directly or indirectly, to a lower frame perimeter portion 17 of the frame 16. In the preferred embodiment, the front sheet member 18 comprises a front sheet member perimeter 19 that is larger than a frame diameter 21, the frame diameter 21 being defined by respective sides of the frame 16. Because the front sheet member diameter 19 is larger than the frame diameter 21, the front sheet member 18, along with the rear sheet member 14 and lower frame perimeter portion 17, defines a receptacle 20. This receptacle 20 is open at the top and closed along the lower frame perimeter portion 17. Thus, the receptacle 20 is structured and arranged to retain liquids when the device 12 is in an upright position, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-2B and FIG. 4.

When the device 12 is viewed from the front and in the open position as shown in FIG. 1, the frame 16 and rear sheet member 14 of the preferred embodiment comprise oval configurations. The front sheet member 18 comprises a semi-oval configuration when viewed from the front. Thus, the device 12 is narrower at upper and lower ends than in a middle portion, when viewed from the perspective of FIG. 1.

The front and rear sheet members 14, 18 of the preferred embodiment are formed from a plastic material such as polyethylene, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), ethylene vinyl acetate, vinyl, poly vinyl chloride (PVC) or other conventional and commercially available suitable material that is relatively impervious to water.

The rear sheet member 14 is coupled to the frame 16. In preferred embodiments, the rear sheet member 14 comprises a sheet of material that is slightly larger than the frame 16 so that an outer perimeter of the rear sheet material 14 can be folded over the frame 16 and glued or welded in place. Similarly, edges of the front sheet 18 member are glued or welded over the frame 16 so that the front sheet member is affixed into position.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, in some embodiment, the device 12 comprises a strap 24 comprising a suction cup 26. In such embodiments, the strap is coupled to the upper end of the frame 16. The suction cup 26 may be used to affix the device 12 to a smooth surface such as porcelain such as may be found on a urinal in a men's restroom. Although the strap 24 of the preferred embodiment comprises a suction cup 26, the strap 24 need not comprise a suction cup 26. Rather, the device 12 can comprise other connection elements such as hooks, loops, clasps, clips, and the like.

The frame 16 of the preferred embodiment is comprised of a flexible wire hoop. In the preferred embodiment, the spring steel comprises a diameter of approximately 2 mm. The frame 16 is approximately 60 mm from upper end to lower end. The frame diameter 21 is approximately 30 mm. Within certain structural limitations, the frame 16 is generally flexible. It can be twisted and otherwise deformed before readily returning to its original oval configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3E, the frame 16 can be coiled and folded so that the portable latrine 12 may be collapsed into a compact generally flat configuration such as that shown in FIG. 3A. The frame's 16 spring action permits it to be unfolded as shown in FIGS. 3B-3D to the flat, open configuration shown in FIG. 3E.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4, in some embodiments of the device 12, the device comprises cooperative coupling mechanisms, such as magnets 28. These magnets 28 are positioned adjacent to a rim 36 of the front sheet member 18. In some embodiments, a magnet is place on either side of a vertical center line. In this position, the magnets 28 can be moved towards one another and, through magnetic attraction, close the receptacle 18. Although, in the preferred embodiment, there are two magnets 28, the device 12 need not comprise two magnets 28. Rather, the device 12 can comprise a single magnet 28 and a ferromagnetic material positioned such that upon attachment to the magnet 28, the receptacle 18 closes or becomes smaller. Other non-magnetic coupling arrangements known in the art may also be used, such systems including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, dips, pins, hooks, and the like. In other embodiments, there are no magnets or other fasteners. Rather, the receptacle 18 may be biased in an open position, by for example, heavier material being position near the rim 36.

The operation and use of the portable latrine 12 will now be discussed. The device 12 is generally stored and transported while in the closed position shown in FIG. 3A. The device may be stored in a container such as a soft sided pouch 30 as shown, for example, in FIG. 6. In preferred embodiments, the pouch 30 comprises a handle 32 and zipper 34. When use of the device 12 is desired, the device 12 may be removed from the pouch 30 and uncoiled from the configuration shown in FIG. 3A through the general sequences shown in FIGS. 3B-3D, to the configuration shown in FIG. 3E. Using the strap 24 and suction cup 26, the device 12 may then be affixed to a smooth surface such as a tile wall or men's urinal. The magnets 28 may be separated from one another so as to fully open the receptacle 20. The device 12 may be then be used in the same manner as a conventional men's urinal.

After use, the device 12 may be washed in a sink, if desired, and re-coiled in a reverse sequence to that which was used to uncoil the device 12. The device 12 may then be replaced within the pouch 30.

In embodiments which do not comprise a suction cup 26 or in situations in which there are no suitable surfaces to which the suction cup 26 may be attached, the device may contain multiple straps 24 which may be used to tie the device 12 around, for example, a tree or a pole. In other embodiments, the device 12 may comprise one or more hooks, which may be used to suspend, for example, the device 12 from the door of a bathroom stall.

In the preferred embodiment, the rear sheet member 14 and front sheet member 18 are transparent. However, the rear sheet member 14 and front sheet member 18 need not be transparent. Rather, the rear sheet member 14 and front sheet member 18 may be opaque or translucent. The rear sheet member 14 and front sheet member 18 are preferably generally waterproof. However, the rear sheet member 14 and front sheet member 18 may be formed from a fabric material or other suitable material that permits the devices 12 to be coiled and uncoiled as described herein.

Although it is shown that the device may be coiled and uncoiled in the manner depicted in FIGS. 3A-3E, the device 12 may be expanded and collapsed in other suitable ways using other coiling and uncoiling methods.

A method of using a portable latrine 12 is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a portable latrine 12 as described in this disclosure; uncoiling the portable latrine 12 from the collapsed position; using a suspension mechanism, suspending the portable latrine 12 from a structure; removing the portable latrine 12 from the structure; and re-coiling the portable latrine 12 into the collapsed position.

In certain embodiments of the method, the suspension mechanism comprises a strap 24.

In certain embodiments of the method, the strap 24 comprises a suction cup 26.

In certain embodiments of the method, the front sheet member 18 comprises one or more magnets 28 adapted to permit the receptacle 20 to be retained in a closed position.

Although the method described herein may be described in connection with specific embodiments of the device 12, the method is equally suitable for any embodiment of the device 12 described in this disclosure, either generally or specifically.

The foregoing disclosure and showings made in the drawing are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. While the invention is shown in only a few forms, it is not just limited to the forms shown, but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be adapted for use in a number of environments.

The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention in accordance with the breadth of this disclosure and the claims, to which it is fairly, legally, and equitably entitled to be interpreted. 

I claim:
 1. A portable latrine comprising: a frame, a rear member, and a front sheet member, the frame comprising a spring hoop; the rear member comprising sheet material comprising outer edges coupled to the spring hoop; the sheet material being adapted to be expanded by the spring hoop to form a rear wall; the front sheet member being coupled to a lower perimeter portion of the frame; the frame, the rear wall, and front sheet member defining a receptacle comprising a receptacle opening and a cavity for receiving liquids, the receptacle opening, when the portable latrine is in use, being positioned above the cavity, the spring hoop and rear wall extending above and below the receptacle opening such that the spring hoop defines the rear wall above and below the receptacle opening and such that the spring hoop extends to a position adjacent to a lowermost portion of the receptacle; and the frame being flexible and the rear member and front sheet member being arranged such that the frame can be coiled into a collapsed position.
 2. The portable latrine of claim 1 wherein the spring hoop comprises spring steel and an oval configuration, when the portable latrine is in an expanded configuration.
 3. The portable latrine of claim 2 wherein the portable latrine, when in the collapsed position, comprises a generally flat configuration.
 4. The portable latrine of claim 1 further comprising a strap.
 5. The portable latrine of claim 4 further comprising a suction cup.
 6. The portable latrine of claim 1, the front sheet member comprising one or more magnets adapted to permit the receptacle to be retained in a closed position.
 7. A portable latrine comprising: a frame, a rear member, and a front sheet member the frame comprising a spring hoop; the rear member comprising sheet material comprising outer edges coupled to the spring hoop; the sheet material being adapted to be expanded by the spring hoop to form a rear wall; the spring hoop comprising spring steel and, when the portable latrine is in an expanded configuration, the frame comprising an oval configuration; the front sheet member being coupled to a lower perimeter portion of the frame; the frame, the rear member, and front sheet member defining a receptacle comprising a receptacle opening and a cavity for receiving liquids, the receptacle opening, when the portable latrine is in use, being positioned above the cavity, the spring hoop and rear wall extending above and below the receptacle opening such that the spring hoop defines the rear wall above and below the receptacle opening and such that the spring hoop extends to a position adjacent to a lowermost portion of the receptacle; the frame being flexible and the rear member and front sheet member being arranged such that the frame can be coiled into a collapsed position; and the portable latrine, when in the collapsed position, comprising a generally flat configuration.
 8. The portable latrine of claim 7 further comprising a strap.
 9. The portable latrine of claim 8 further comprising a suction cup.
 10. The portable latrine of claim 7, the front sheet member comprising one or more magnets adapted to permit the receptacle to be retained in a closed position.
 11. A method of using a portable latrine, the method comprising the steps of: providing a portable latrine, the portable latrine being in a collapsed position; the portable latrine comprising a frame, a rear member, and a front sheet member the frame comprising a spring hoop; the rear member comprising sheet material comprising outer edges coupled to the spring hoop; the front sheet member being coupled to a lower perimeter portion of the frame; the frame, the rear wall, and front sheet member defining a receptacle comprising a receptacle opening and a cavity for receiving liquids, the receptacle opening, when the portable latrine is in use, being positioned above the cavity and the spring hoop and rear wall extending above and below the receptacle opening such that the spring hoop defines the rear wall above and below the receptacle opening and such that the spring hoop extends to a position adjacent to a lowermost portion of the receptacle; the frame being flexible and the rear member and front sheet member being arranged such that the frame is adapted to be coiled into the collapsed position; uncoiling the portable latrine from the collapsed position; using a suspension mechanism, suspending the portable latrine from a structure; removing the portable latrine from the structure; and re-coiling the portable latrine into the collapsed position.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the suspension mechanism comprises a strap.
 13. The method of claim 12, the strap comprising a suction cup.
 14. The method of claim 12, the front sheet member comprising one or more magnets adapted to permit the receptacle to be retained in a closed position. 